Additional challenges often associated with difficulty in classroom performance may include the impact of additional stressors (home, work, unit, etc.), sleep disturbance, difficulty with time management and panic attacks.

Whatever your challenge, visible or invisible, we encourage you to stop in to talk to us. We will accept your DoD documentation or VA Medical diagnosis documentation to review the possibilities of appropriate accommodations. Please call SVSU Disability Services at 989-964-7000 for an appointment.

How do I get started?

Students must self-identify and provide adequate documentation of the disability. After an intake interview and reviewing the documentation, the Director will discuss with the student the services he or she is eligible to receive. Follow these steps to register with our office:

Collect your documentation of the condition, disability, or injury that impacts your access to SVSU and its programs, services, and materials. DoD Documentation or VA Documentation of diagnosis is acceptable.

Contact the SVSU Disability Services to make an appointment to discuss your situation. Phone: 989-964-7000 or email: disability-services@svsu.edu

If you’re not sure about the documentation, upload what you have from the VA or bring it with you to your appointment and we can discuss if additional information is needed.

It is important that you begin this process well in advance of your semester. The normal approval time, from the first face-to-face meeting is three weeks. While we encourage you to apply with our office in advance of each semester, we do take applications year round.

At the start of the semester be sure to download your Faculty Notification letters and meet with your instructors as soon as possible to discuss your accommodations. Remember it is your responsibility to notify your instructors of your accommodations.

FAQ:

What types of disabilities will SVSU Disability Services assist with?

SVSU Disability Services is equipped to provide accommodations and support for a wide range of visible and invisible wounds and injuries. A thorough assessment will be conducted to determine the types of services that will best support you.

Do I need a disability rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs to receive services?

To receive services through SVSU Disability Services, a documented disability is required. This can be a letter from your personal doctor, your DoD documentation or the VA. If you do not currently have a documented disability, you are still encouraged to contact the SVSU Military Student Affairs, http://www.svsu.edu/militarystudentaffairs/

What are the benefits of receiving accommodations through SVSU Disability Services?

Students will access and utilize accommodations as appropriately based on their individual disability. In addition to a variety of accommodations, SVSU Military Student Affairs will provide support with your transition to campus along with academic advising, tutoring, and coaching.

A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to instructional methods and/or a course, program, service, activity or facility that enables a qualified student with a disability to have an equal opportunity. An equal opportunity means an opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges as are available to a similarly-situated student without a disability.

Resources are available to assist you in returning to the classroom environment.

One-on-one consultation is available to help identify what services might be beneficial in the learning process. Call 989.964.7000 to set-up a confidential meeting.

Training and consultation on Assistive Technology may be useful in maintaining independence and fostering success. Call 989.964.7000 to set-up a confidential meeting. Assistive Technology for Personal Use

*ADA: Know Your Rights -- Returning Service Members with Disabilities. This 28 page booklet is designed to provide military service members who have been seriously wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom a basic understanding of their rights under the ADA and where to turn for additional information and assistance.